Browns Owner Randy Lerner Considers Selling The Cleveland Football Team

Cleveland Browns owner Randy Lerner released a statement earlier today confirming that he is in negotiations to possibly sell part of the Ohio NFL team to new investor, Jimmy Haslam. CBS Sports reports the statement released by Randy Lerner appears to note Jimmy Haslam’s intention of investing in the Ohio football team and not a desire to garner a majority interest.

The potential new Browns investor is currently the CEO of the nationwide truck stop chain, Pilot Flying J. Jimmy Haslam is also a minority partner with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“We are currently in negotiations and both sides have agreed to keep that dialogue and its details private. Given that any transaction would require League approval, care has been taken so that this process will not be disruptive to the organization, in particular the football team, as it prepares for the upcoming season. We will share further details or make an announcement if it becomes necessary,” Browns owner Randy Lerner noted in the statement republished by CBS Sports.

NFL News reports the Cleveland Browns denied a rumor that the team was for sale last month. Although the rumors which quickly burnt up Twitter were renounced by Cleveland Browns officials, faithful fans were reportedly still anxious about the matter and hoped history was not about to repeat itself. The Cleveland Browns moved to Baltimore at the conclusion of the 1995 season.

A statement from #Browns Owner Randy Lerner: bddy.me/OqwLAV

— Cleveland Browns (@OfficialBrowns) July 27, 2012

The legendary Jim Brown appeared on “NFL Total Access” and criticized Randy Lerner’s management style and questioned his commitment to the Cleveland Browns, according to excerpts of the interview republished by NFL News.